Headphones are one of the most commoditized pieces of tech, but 95% of them look exactly the same.

Luckily, Nothing is here to change the game, and their Nothing Headphone(1) are leading the way.

If you’re chasing that perfect mix of form and function, these deliver in spades.

Design & Aesthetic

Let’s start with the look. The transparent, skeletal internal structure visible through the shell gives you a peek “behind the curtain,” evoking sci-fi vibes and design-forward tech. It feels like something straight out of a cyberpunk movie.

The aluminum core and reinforced build manage to feel lightweight yet solid, a rare combo. The memory-foam ear cushions are soft, breathable, and mold comfortably to the ears without pressure points. Over extended listening sessions, they stay cozy, which is a must for over-ear cans.

But of course, it’s not just about looks. These headphones punch above their weight in the audio department.

Tuned in partnership with KEF, they produce a balanced, natural signature where bass has depth but doesn’t overwhelm, mids stay clear, and the highs feel lively without harshness.

According to the specs, the driver is a 40 mm dynamic type with a custom suspension system to reduce distortion.  

The hybrid active noise cancellation is excellent.

The adaptive mode learns from your surroundings, and when you need awareness, the transparency mode does a great job letting ambient sound in without making things muddy.

The fact that you can tweak ANC levels (high / mid / low / adaptive) is a thoughtful touch.  

Battery & Practical Use

Battery life is stellar. You get up to 80 hours of playback with ANC off, and still about 35 hours with ANC on. That gives you huge flexibility, whether you’re commuting, working, or on a long trip.  And if you’re in a pinch, just 5 minutes of charging buys you several hours of listening.  

On the user interface side, the roller dial, paddle tab, and shortcut button are intuitive. The Nothing X app lets you dive deep into EQ, ANC behavior, and control customization. The dual-connection feature (switching seamlessly between two devices) is a solid convenience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after headphones that balance audibly satisfying, feature-rich performance with a bold, futuristic visual identity, Nothing Headphone (1) is right in that sweet spot.

At $299, available on Amazon, we find they’re also priced fairly, especially against competitors like Apple, Sony, and others.

Highly recommended — these headphones make an impression and back it up.

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